How a Family Emergency Sparked Gemma’s Fundraising Marathon for Cornwall Air Ambulance

When her three-year-old son stopped breathing in 2016, Gemma’s world was turned upside down. Three ambulances and the Cornwall Air Ambulance arrived to save him, rushing him from their home to Treliske and then to Bristol Hospital. Thanks to their quick response, her son made a full recovery. This life-changing moment inspired Gemma to start running and fundraising for the service that played such a vital role in her family’s life.

Turning Tragedy into Purpose

Gemma and her husband began their fundraising journey with a sponsored run from Bodmin to Wadebridge, raising over £3,200 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

“I wanted to thank the Cornwall Air Ambulance for helping us with our son when he was very poorly,” Gemma shared.

What started as a way to give back quickly became a transformative outlet. From struggling with self-criticism over run times to embracing the joy of running, Gemma’s perspective shifted: “It doesn’t matter how long it takes you to do a mile—it’s running the mile that matters.”

Medals, Milestones, and Memories

Over the years, Gemma has collected more than 70 medals, participating in a variety of races, including the Cornish Grand Prix series, half marathons in Cardiff, Bath, and Plymouth, and more. Her efforts have raised significant funds for charities, including over £400 each for Dogs Trust and the British Heart Foundation.

Even during COVID-19, Gemma remained dedicated. She ran 125 miles in a month for the Cornwall Air Ambulance while her daughter cycled 500 laps around their estate to support the NHS.

“I may be a slow runner, but I am a runner,” Gemma said.

Inspiring Others

Since joining a running club in 2022, Gemma has inspired others to take up the sport, whether through sharing her journey with college students or running past them in her local area. She finds immense joy in the social aspect of running, meeting fellow enthusiasts, and enjoying the fresh air and occasional wildlife encounters.

Her meticulous record-keeping, with race bibs displayed alongside her medals, reflects her passion and dedication.

Preparing for the Next Challenge

Now, Gemma is gearing up for her most ambitious goal yet: running the Cornish Marathon in 2025, known as one of the toughest. The Cornish Marathon is renowned for its challenging terrain, featuring a cumulative ascent of approximately 600 metres, with a significant portion of the climb occurring in the final miles. This demanding course has led some to describe it as one of the toughest marathons in the UK.

Her target is to raise £2,000 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

To meet her goal, Gemma is planning bingo nights, quiz nights, and supermarket collections, continuing her legacy of community involvement and charitable giving. – For all events check out Gemma’s Facebook page.

Support Gemma’s fundraising efforts:

• Visit her JustGiving page.
• Follow updates and see Gemma’s fund raising events on her Facebook page.

Gemma’s story is a powerful reminder of how personal challenges can lead to positive change, inspiring countless others to take on their own journeys—one step at a time.